Cage-free eggs

Rowan University’s Progressive Student Alliance is petitioning for the school to begin buying and serving cage-free eggs.

According a 2007 New York Times article, cage-free eggs come from chickens raised in large, open barns instead of wire cages.

According to cagefreerowan.com, the chickens cannot spread their wings in their small cages and often have to live in their own feces and the waste of other birds.

Thomas Partyka, senior radio/television/film major and member of the Progressive Student Alliance, said that the idea of cage-free eggs is something many have become interested in.

“This is something that is catching on,” Partyka said.

He also said that California has banned the sale of caged eggs, and other universities, such as Princeton University, are working with their dining services companies to do the same.

The Progressive Student Alliance has been working with Sodexo Dining Services to poll students on their opinion, due to the fact that cage-free eggs may cost a few cents more per egg and may be added to student tuition.

According to the dining services poll, 84 percent of polled students would like to eat cage-free eggs, and 75 percent are willing to pay the extra money or forgo other services offered by Sodexo.

“I don’t think this is a move for students as much as for the chickens. Rowan University students should have the piece of mind of knowing we are helping the health of the chicken population,” said Kasra Houshmand, a sophomore biology major.

A representative for Sodexo could not be reached at press time.

In addition to polling the student body, Progressive Student Alliance has been asking students to sign petitions in favor of Rowan going cage-free.

Rowan University’s budget committee, along with Sodexo, will be meeting on April 13 to decide whether or not Rowan will be serving cage-free eggs will be made.

To voice support for the efforts of Progressive Students Alliance, visit cagefreerowan.com.